It seems like, other than in a few small, holdout neighborhoods, kids don’t really go trick-or-treating anymore.

That’s too bad.

I’m not even a big Halloween person, but when this time of year rolls around, I can’t help but think back on a couple of favorite memories — one from my own childhood and one from when my oldest was about six or seven.

When I was a kid, trick-or-treating was an event.

My brothers and I, plus every kid in the neighborhood, would head out the moment it got dark .. no parents, no cell phones, just the glow of porch lights and the promise of sugar.

Costumes?

Please.

My parents would’ve sooner paid for a new washing machine than a store-bought costume.

We raided closets and attics for whatever passed as “character.”

And we all knew .. somehow, by kid telepathy .. which houses gave out full-size chocolate bars. That knowledge spread faster than gossip at a PTA bake sale.

We’d roam until the last porch light went out, pillowcases heavy with candy and hearts racing from too many Sweet Tarts.

Looking back, it really was simple, and maybe that’s why it feels so special now.

Fast forward a few decades to Montclair, New Jersey, where we were living when my son Stephen was about seven.

If you’ve never been, Montclair is full of big, rambling houses on tree-lined streets that seem made for movie sets. (And in fact, many actually have been.)

Every year, people buzzed about “The Very Scary Cemetery” house.

Supposedly, they turned their yard into a full-blown haunted attraction, open to trick or treaters after dusk. So naturally, Steve and Stephen went to check it out.

As they crept up the hill, they saw statues, monsters, witches, ghouls, scattered all over the lawn.

And then, as they got closer to the porch… one of the “statues” started moving.

Slowly.

Toward my son, standing next to him.

He froze.

“Dad, we have to leave now. Dad, we have to leave NOW.”

But before they could escape, more statues started moving.

The monsters followed them down the hill. (Apparently, when another family’s teenage daughter ran off screaming, a witch chased her for a few blocks.)

Needless to say, it was terrifying at the time and hilarious in hindsight.

Stephen still talks about that night (and he’s 27 years old now), fondly, mind you, and so do we.

Sadly, that was the last year they did it.

Do kids today get to experience anything like that? I’m not so sure.

Farm Happenings

Back on the farm, we’re knee-deep in tulip prep.

Our supplier just started shipping their first batches, so bulbs should be arriving any day now.

I’ve written a detailed tulip-planting and growing guide to go with every order (yes, I’m oddly proud of it).

If you’re still on the fence about ​ordering​, this is your gentle nudge .. once I start planting, the extras disappear faster than Halloween candy after bedtime.

And speaking of the holidays .. ​winter wreath workshop​ prep is in full swing.

These are honestly some of my favorite events of the year: the scent of pine, the laughter, the creative chaos.

I just confirmed pick-up days with our evergreen supplier, and the fresh greens smell so good you’ll want to make ten wreaths just to keep that scent around.

Can’t wait to see you all there; it always feels like the start of the holiday season.

Tomorrow, I’ll share what I found on my recent fall sale nursery rounds, the amount and type of sales, who’s worth visiting. Think of it as a scouting report to save you time and gas.

Until then, here’s hoping your candy bowl stays full and your doorbell rings a few times this Halloween.

And Since You Didn’t Ask . . .

Anyone else watching the latest season of Love Is Blind?

I can’t remember the last time I disliked an entire cast of people and yet, here I am, emotionally invested like I’ve known them since grade school.

Every episode I mutter, “I’m done,” and then immediately click “Next.” I keep Googling spoilers so I can free myself, but apparently Netflix wants me emotionally trapped until tomorrow’s finale.

P.S. If you haven’t preordered your tulips yet, do it soon before the planting begins. You can find them here. And, don’t forget to drop off your leaf bags and/or magnolia clippings!
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​P.P.S. And yes, I read and love receiving your replies. Tell me, what’s your favorite Halloween memory?